10-19-18 Today in the Word

Book of Hebrews: A Call to Faith in Christ THE NECESSITY OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE Friday, October 19, 2018 | Hebrews 9:16–28 In the Greek language, the word diathēkē can be translated as both “covenant” and “will” (as in a last will and testament). Understanding that double meaning helps us see the logic of the argument in today’s reading. Because the “new covenant (diathēkē)” established by Christ is also, in a sense, a last will (diathēkē) and testament, we can begin to see why Christ’s sacrifice was necessary. As Scripture says, “In the case of a will (diathēkē), it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died” (v. 16). In other words, it was Christ’s death that brought into effect the new diathēkē. To underscore the point, the author of Hebrews demonstrates that even in the olddiathēkē under Moses, death was necessary: “Even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood” (v. 18). The scroll containing God’s Law, the people themselves, the tabernacle, and “everything used in its ceremonies” (v. 21) had to be sprinkled with the “blood of the covenant” (v. 20). Why? Because “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (v. 22). Following this biblical logic, the conclusion becomes apparent: the new covenant required “better sacrifices than these” (v. 23). And that is exactly what Christ’s offering was. Hebrews reminds us again of the superiority of Christ. He entered a heavenly sanctuary, not an earthly one; and He offered a single sacrifice, not repeated ones. As the author summarizes, “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many” (v. 28). Through the sacrifice offered by Christ Himself, we are able to participate in the new covenant with God. APPLY THE WORD Hebrews has a multitude of images reflecting Christ’s saving work: rest, ransom, sacrifice, priesthood, covenant, and many more. Make a list of these word-pictures of Christ’s redemption, including brief descriptions. Use it as a daily reminder of the magnificence of Christ’s salvation for “those who are waiting for him” (v. 28).